
HERVOR: 

THE GAUL 



A Drama in Five Acts 
By 

T. T. TIMAYENIS 



All Rights Reserved 



Published by 

THE NATIONAL PRESS 
BOSTON, MASS. 



HERVOR, The Gaul 



A Drama in Five Acts 



By 



T. T. Ti 



imayenis 



( All Rights Reserved ) 



Published by 

The National Press 

Boston, Mass. 



MT* 3r 






tuBHARY Of CONGRESS* 



Iwo.Cooics KeceivtiU 

JUN 1 1908 

lOLrtSSjp XXc, « 
III to 

30PY B. 



Copyright, 1908, 

by 
T. T. Timayenis. 



DRAMATIS PERSONAE. 

Hervor, Chief of the Arverni, a tribe of Gauls. 
Aristander, President of the Council of Mijetus. 
Constans, a Cicilian. 

Critobulus, a wealthy but penurious Greek. 
Harpalos, Commander of the mercenaries. 
Kainon, a soldier. 

^ ' {• Gauls. , 

Gaspar, > 

Priest of the temple of Artemis. 

Siva, wife of Constans. 

Euopia, wife of Aristander. 

Cleomene, wife of Critobulus. 

Citizens, soldiers, Gauls, Druids, etc. 

Bard. 

Guide. 



HERVOR, The Gaul 



ACT I. 

The First Act is laid in Miletus about 280 B. C. The rest 
in Gaul. There is an interval of one year between the First 
and Second Acts. 

SCENE I. 

(The market-place of Miletus. A throng of ex- 
cited citizens. The alarm sounds at intervals.) 

Citizens : The alarm ! The alarm ! 

Aristander: Peace citizens! Harpalos, what means 
this tumult? 

Harpalos: May the gods defend Miletus from the 
danger that threatens her! 

Aristartder: But what means this tumult? Why- 
is the city thus aroused? 

Harpalos: Noble Aristander and men of Miletus, 
early this morning a horde of strange and 
ferocious beings such as I never before be- 
held, appeared upon the hills, swooped 
down upon our outposts, and ere the signal 
of danger could be given, had carried away 
the fair daughters of Miletus. 

Aristander: Carried away the women? 

Harpalos: Assembled in the Temple of Artemis! 

Aristander: Where were your guards? They 
should have defended to the death their 
charge. 

Harpalos: At the first surprise the fierce barba- 
rians cut them down. Only one, a prac- 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

tised runner at the games, casting aside 
arms and shield, regained the city's gates 
(enter Kainon) Here is the man — 

Aristander: Soldier, you were ordered on guard 
to-day at the Temple of Artemis. How is 
it that you are here? 

Kainon: Thanks to the Goddess Fortune and my 
own legs. 

Aristander: Answer my question, coward! 

Kainon: Kainon, you see's no coward. Match 
him against the stoutest arm that ever held 
a buckler and he will give blow for blow. 
Many a time in Cilicia — 

Aristander: Speak to the point. This is no time 
for babbling — 

Kainon: I am no babbler, but an honest Grecian 
soldier fighting for the one that pays the 
best; at present, like yourself, my general, 
in the service of this good city of Miletus. 

Aristander: (angrily) Take care, lest too far you 
try our patience. Tell us of this attack ! 

Critobulus : (with trembling voice) The attack ! 
Are the walls well guarded, Harpalos, the 
barbarians might, break into the city? 

Harpalos : The guards- are doubled and the walls 
are strong. Besides the robber horde are 
already withdrawing to the mountains, bear- 
ing with them their captives and the Tem- 
ple's treasures. 

Aristander: Who are these marauders? Whence 
have they come? 

Harpalos : It is supposed that they belong to that 
fierce race of Gauls who not long since rav- 
aged our Northern Provinces. 

Citizens: (crowding around Kainon) Our wives, 
Kainon, tell us about our wives. 



rnrwan— — m— —— ^hii 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

Priest : Tell us about the treasures of the Temple ! 
(they press closely upon Kainon). 

Kainon: Well, I will tell you all, just as it hap- 
pened. You know the noblest women of the 
city went forth to-day to the Temple of great 
Artemis, beyond the walls to celebrate the 
yearly rites, bearing — 

Aristander: (interrupting) Gifts of fruits and 
flowers and woven cloth. We all know this. 
Speak on. 

Kainon: Well, they were chanting their hymns, 
when by the beard of Zeus, there burst from 
the sacred grove a howl as infernal as if 
all the wild boars of Erymanthus were rush- 
ing down its sides and suddenly a band of 
shaggy fiends surrounded the temple, seized 
the women and fled. I, finding myself alone — 

Aristander : Well ? 

Kainon: Started for Miletus to summon aid. 

Aristander: You should have stood your ground 
and beaten back the brutish monsters, or 
shared the fate of your comrades. 

Kainon: Beat back five hundred and alone? Why 
give me six or eight, and I'd — But, by Her- 
cules ! five hundred, they might — 

Aristander: (angrily) Have killed you, as you de- 
serve for abandoning your post, but were 
there no women who escaped? 

Kainon: Alas, my lord! not one escaped. Our 
posts, though astounded at the wild and sud- 
den appearance of the savages, turned brave- 
ly against them, but were soon over-pow- 
ered. One thing is certain, not a woman suf- 
fered death — all were made captives. 

Harpalos: I watched them from the city wall as 
they carried their prisoners away. There 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

was one, an oldish, sharp-faced woman, 
whom a shaggy giant seized and bore off 
while the air resounded with her shrill 
screams. 

Critobulos : (aside) It was surely, Cleomene. Her 
voice was always shrill. He bore her off, 
you say, my friend, (sigh of relief) Poor 
Cleomene ! after forty years of married 
life, to lose her thus! (Enter Constans 
who stands intently listening). 

Kainon: There was another, a stately, noble mat- 
ron. In her captor's grasp she uttered no 
cry, but with heart-broken look stretched 
forth her arms for the last time towards old 
Miletus (to Aristander) It was your wife, 
my lord. 

Aristander: Euopia! my loved Euopia! May the 
gods protect her from those savage brutes. 

Constans: (impetuously) Tell me, soldier, was 
Siva there? My wife, Siva? She too was 
at the Temple. Where is she now? Quick, 
speak ! 

Kainon:. Your wife, Siva? I am a soldier, friend, 
and I have an eye for beauty, but I don't 
carry here (tapping his forehead) the face of 
every pretty woman in Miletus, with her 
master's name stamped on it. 

Constans: Her's was a face you never could for- 
get ! It was the beauteous mirror of a sweet, 
pure soul — a face a goddess might have en- 
vied (hurriedly). She wore a white himation 
broidered with lotus blossoms, a bracelet on 
her arm, a golden adder coiled as if about to 
spring. 

Kainon: Oh, that is the one you mean! Just as 
we passed the gate she dropped some flow- 
ers. Kappotas, our officer, stooped and gath- 

8 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

ered them, and for his pay received a smile 
so sweet, I warrant he will never forget it. 
So that's your wife, you say? 

Constans: (aside) It was but the courtesy with 
which a woman acknowledges any service, 
however, slight; but noble Aristander, why 
stand we here? Think of the danger which 
at this very moment threatens those we hold 
most precious. Think of the dishonored life 
which to a noble woman is far worse than 
death. Let us not waste the moments here, 
but sally forth at once to rescue and avenge ! 

Priest: Constans, you have spoken well and an- 
gered Artemis will help us to rescue the 
treasurers of our temple from the base spol- 
iators. 

Constans: Not only Artemis, but all the gods will 
aid in wreaking vengeance upon the despoil- 
ers of our homes. 

Aristander: Debates will not avail us. The ques- 
tion we must consider is not how to take 
vengeance on the barbarians but how to res- 
cue our loved ones. I therefore order that 
an embassy be sent to the enemy to ascer- 
tain the terms upon which they will liberate 
their prisoners. 

Critobulus: Let wisdom and moderation be our 
guide in this troublesome affair. The inter- 
ests of the city must not be sacrificed or even 
overlooked in paying too heavy ransom. 
(Exeunt, except Constans). 

Constans: Betake ourselves forthwith to our 
homes ! Not sacrifice the interests of the 
city! Alas, my wife, my Siva! I have no 
home without you. I have no interests but 
to free and bring you back — and this I swear 
to do or forfeit my own life. 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

SCENE 2. 

(A glade in the forest, near the camp of the 
Gauls. Enter Gasper and Divico, the latter drag- 
ging Siva.) 

Gasper: You take the bracelet and the pearls. I 
want the woman. 

Divico: No, the woman's mine. 

Gasper: Yours! By what right? 

Divico: She's my captive. 

Gasper: She is MY captive. 

Divico: You cannot have her. 

Gasper: Cannot? But I will. I seized her first. 

Divico: Ay, and let her go when the beardless 
Greek officer rushed like a madman on you. 

Gasper: That I might better use my sword. 

Divico: So well did he use his that he'd have 
driven it through your body, had I not rushed 
to your help and struck the stripling down. 
'Twas I dragged forth the woman crouching 
behind the altar. I've won her and I'll keep her. 

Gasper: The woman belongs to me! (Grasping 
Siva, he pulls her away from Divico, tears 
the necklace from her throat and flings it at 
Divico's feet.) There are your jewels. Now 
stand aside and let us pass. 

Divico: (Advancing upon Gasper with drawn 
sword). Release my captive, or the sword 
that won her shall make good my right. 

Gasper: (Still holding Siva.) This arm shall 
teach you. . . . (They fight. Enter 
Hervor with drawn sword. He rushes be- 
tween the combatants, and strikes off their 
swords with his own.) 

Hervor: Hold there at once! Your swords drawn 
here in our very camp, and against each 
other? What brawl is this? 

10 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

Gasper: The woman there I took — 

Divico: It is not true, I captured her, myself. 

Hervor: (contemptuously) You quarrel for a 
woman? For such baubles shall our officers 
stain their hands ' in their own kinsman's 
blood? Let the lot not the sword, decide 
between you. (Turns to depart.) 

Siva: (springing forward) Save me! Oh, save 
me from these savage men ! 

Hervor: (coldly) You are their captive. 

Siva: No, no! I would rather die. Save me! 
Save me! Is there no pity in your heart? 

Hervor: (hesitating) You were taken by them to- 
day before Miletus? 

Siva: Yes, at the Temple of Artemis! I and my 
companions were seized as we were offering 
wreaths of flowers to the goddess. 

Hervor: Who are you? 

Siva: Siva, wife of Constans, a — 

Hervor: Wife, you say? Why, then — You hear 
Gasper, Divico, this is a married woman. 
Our law respects the marriage bond. She 
must be held for ransom. 

Divico : If the ransom fails ? 

Gasper: Her captor shall have her. 

Hervor: She must be offered at a general sale. 
One-fourth is given to the State, the rest to 
you, her captors. 

Divico: It is the law. She did not claim to be 
a wife. 

Gasper: Then, Divico, let us leave her in the 
chieftain's care. 

Divico: (to Hervor) We know that you are just. 
(Exeunt Gasper and Divico.) 

Siva: They've gone, and I am free. (She gathers 
up her jewels.) 

ii 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

Hervor: You are not free but still a captive. 

Siva: Not to those savages? 

Hervor: They are not savages, but brave and 
hardy soldiers, obedient to their chief's com- 
mand. 

Siva: In their quarrel they would have murdered 
me, had not you interfered. 

Hervor: So much the worse for them; they would 
have lost the ransom. Woman, you seem 
young to be a wife. 

Siva: The women are married early in my land. 
Last year I was a bride. 

Hervor: Your husband doubtless holds you dear. 

Siva: (with indifference) Yes, he loves me well. 

Hervor: And will bring a liberal ransom. 

Siva: I do not know. We have been married a 
whole year — 

Hervor: It must be paid or I cannot answer for 
your safety. 

Siva: You will not give me back to those fierce 
men? 

Hervor: They are your captors. 

Siva: They have no right to hold me. I am not 
a slave but a free woman. 

Hervor: And a free woman's ransom you will 
have to pay. 

Siva: (tendering him her jewels) Here, take these 
pearls, — they are large and fine — these brace- 
lets of rare workmanship. Take them and 
let me go. 

Hervor: Keep your trinkets. They are of little 
value to a Gaul. Your captors have placed 
you in my charge. I can restore your liberty 
only upon payment of a stipulated weight of 
gold. 

Siva: You will not give me back to them? I'd 
— I'd rather trust myself to .you. 

12 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

Hervor: Well be it so. Take this amulet, worn 
only by the married women of our land. It 
is one my own mother wore and gave to me 
as a reminder that the marriage rite conse- 
crates the woman and makes her honor sa- 
cred. Wear it, and fear no Gaul. You are 
Hervor's captive. (He places the amulet 
around Siva's neck.) Now, follow to the 
camp. (Exeunt) 



SCENE 3. 
(The hills of Caria. Camp of Gauls.) 

Bard: (singing) 

Arm ! Arm ! for the war ! 
Down the mountains we pour 
Our hosts to the plain, 
And the sands of the shore 
Are red with the gore 
Of the slain — of the slain. 

Chorus : 

Ho ! We are the Gauls 
Whom no danger appals, 
Our breasts are the walls 
That our country defend. 

Bard: 

Speed ! Speed to the chase ! 
Comrades, quicken your pace 
Nor last let us lag. 
• He who gains the first place 
His banquet shall grace 
With the horns of the stag. 

Chorus : 

Ho! We are the Gauls, etc. 

13 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

Bard: 

Come! Come to the dance! 
Lay aside sword and lance, 
'Tis a joy to be there. 
For whenever there's a chance, 
The warrior's heart pants 
For the arms of the fair. 

Chorus : 

Ho! We are the Gauls, etc. 

First Gaul: Be merry comrades, merry. Let us 
make the captives dance and sing. 

Cleomene: Alas, Critobulus, my husband! 

Second Gaul : The old woman there takes her cap- 
tivity to heart; the young ones don't seem 
so much to mind it. Cheer up, old woman, 
cheer up. 

Cleomene: Were my Critobulus here, he would 
permit no such language addressed to me, 
but, alas! I am now unprotected and alone. 

Second Gaul: Fear nothing, old woman, you will 
be returned to your master, safe and sound 
as soon as you are paid for. 

Cleomene: I will be returned to my master! Who 
speaks of master to Cleomene? 

Euopia: My good Cleomene, these men do not 
understand the laws under which we live. 
(To a Gaul.) Is our captivity known in Mi- 
letus? 

First Gaul: Known in Miletus? From the walls 
one-half the garrison were looking on while 
we carried you away. Now, we are out of 
sight, there will be brave talk no doubt. 

Second Gaul: Here comes Hervor. By great 
Belen, he, too, has picked up a woman. 

First Gaul: The very one I was telling you of — 
the woman that both Divico and Gasper 

14 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

claimed. (Enter Hervor, followed by Siva. 
The latter seeing the captives, runs toward 
them.) 

Hervor: Hail friends and comrades! Advices 
just received from Miletus intorm us 
that no attempt at rescue will be made, but 
that an embassy is on the way to pay the 
ransom we demand for the prisoners. We 
will arrange at once for the ransom of the 
captives and then break camp. 

First Gaul: Chief, shall each treat separately for 
the ransom of his particular captive? 

Hervor: I take upon myself the task. How many 
women have been captured? 

First Gaul: About a hundred. All claim to be 
married, and to belong to the noblest fam- 
ilies of the city. Here are a few, the rest are 
weeping in their tents. 

Hervor: Have they been kindly treated? 

Euopia:. Kindly treated! Do you call it kind 
treatment when armed men rush fiercely up- 
on defenceless women, carry them from their 
homes, and desecrate the holy temple of their 
faith? Is this kind treatment? Is this the 
manhood of your race? 

Hervor: You forget how your own people in- 
vaded Massalia, seized upon our territory, 
violated the sacred oath of hospitality, drove 
our defenceless people away, killed our wo- 
men, and spared not even the all wise Druids 
of my nation. I came here to avenge the 
wrong inflicted. 
(Euopia attempts to speak.) 

Hervor: Now we stand in sight of yonder city 
and challenge all who think they suffer 
wrong to prove it in fair fight. 

15 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

Euopia: It's citizens — 

Hervor: (with growing passion) You are the 
spoils of war. Should those who once pos- 
sessed you attempt your rescue we shall de- 
fend you as our lawful property. If they 
conquer, they may take you without ran- 
som. But while we live we shall protect 
our own. 

Cleomene: A most uncalled for and undesired 
protection. 

Siva: Is it true an embassy is coming from Miletus 
to ransom us? 

Hervor: It is close at hand. 

Siva: At how many drachmas do you rate a wo- 
man? 

Hervor: In Gaul a man esteems his wife the dear- 
est thing he owns. 

Siva: Oh, it isn't so in Greece. Here the lovers 
are always blind and when the husband gets 
his sight, he's sure to find he married the 
wrong woman. What do you do with captive 
wives whose husbands won't redeem them ? 

Hervor: If there be any so unfortunate, we offer 
her at public sale. She becomes the property, 
perhaps the wife of the highest bidder. 

Cleomene: (wringing her hands) Oh, Critobulus, 
Critobulus, where are you? 

(Enter a messenger.) 

Messenger: Strangers from Miletus, seek an inter- 
view with the chief. 

Hervor: We wait them here. (Exit messenger.) 
Have precautions been taken to repulse a 
sudden and treacherous attack? 

First Gaul: All your orders have been faithfully 
executed. 

Hervor: Lead the women away, (exeunt Siva, 
Euopia, Cleomene and other women.) 

16 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

(Enter embassy. The Priest wears a white 
mantle, bears his staff upon which are the fillets 
of Apollo, and is crowned with an Olive wreath. 
Aristander, Critobulus, Constans and others carry 
branches of olive. Several Gauls remain on stage 
in groups.) 

Priest: The citizens of Miletus in council assem- 
bled have sent us here to treat with the chief. 

Hervor: He stands before you. 

Aristander: We have come to demand the deliver- 
ance of our wives, so ruthlessly carried away. 

Hervor: Have you come as messengers of peace 
or messengers of war? If as messengers of 
peace, we are ready to listen to you, but if 
you seek the deliverance of the prisoners 
through war, we are equally ready with our 
swords. . . 

Aristander: The fillets of Apollo and these olive 
branches are symbols of peace. We have 
come simply to treat for the deliverance 
of our wives now in your power. 

Hervor: We, therefore, extend to you the hospi- 
tality of our camp, assuring you of fair deal- 
ing and protection. No injury has befallen 
the captives. As soon as the ransom we have 
decided upon— seven hundred pounds by 
weight of gold — has been paid, the women 
shall be delivered to you. 

Critobulus: The amount you name could not be 
raised even were a general contribution of 
the people of Miletus to be held. 

Hervor: Why then have you come here? We are 
soldiers, not traffickers. Nothing is required 
but the immediate payment of our demand. 
On this condition only do we release the 
prisoners. 

17 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

Critobulus: Seven hundred pounds of gold is a 
preposterous sum for a few score women, 
most of them no longer young. Now, it 
seems to me that in a woman, age — 

Kervor: Enough of words. Are you prepared to 
pay or not? 

Priest: We have come for this purpose. 

Hervor: Then lose no time in useless talk. 

Critobulus: We will lose no time if you lose not 
your temper — 

Constans: (impetuously) Chief, I have a young 
and beautiful wife — a treasure that I would 
not part with for the riches of the world. 
This treasure, my own wife, whom I have 
sought with tenderest care to guard from 
every ill, is held by you — a captive. 

Hervor: Your wife will be restored to you un- 
harmed, on payment of the ransom, (to a 
Gaul). Lead in the captives! 

Constans: Noble Chief, we have been charged by 
the Council of Miletus to negotiate with you. 

Hervor: Negotiate? What negotiations are needed 
in a matter already settled? Have you come 
to pay the gold, or have you come with' 
empty words and cunning arguments? Her- 
vor despises deceit as he loves truth and 
honor. 

Aristander: You have no reason to doubt our sin- 
cerity. We listen to your outbreaks of pas- 
sion, not from want of manliness, but for 
the sake of the prisoners. 

Hervor: Let not the prisoners hold in check your 
courage. The Gauls fight only men. What- 
ever betides, the women are safe. 

Constans: Friends, let not this Gaul provoke a 
quarrel. We are an embassy of peace. Our 
duty is to free the prisoners. 

18 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

Hervor: The captives come, let the exchange take 
place at once. 

(Enter Siva. Constans embraces her.) Priceless 
jewel of my home, once more you are safe 
in my arms. They have not hurt you, Siva? 

Siva: Do you think it did not hurt to be dragged 
by the hair from behind the altar? Two of 
them quarreled for me. Between them they 
surely would have killed me had not the 
chief there saved me. 

Constans: The chief saved you? 

Siva: Yes, he drove the barbarous men away. 
Himself brought me to the camp and gave 
me this amulet for protection. It's ugly, £>ut 
it's useful. 

Constans: For this kindness unto you, dear Siva, 
I forgive him all the anguish he has caused. 
Come, we will thank him. 
(Enter Euopia followed by Cleomene.) 

Critobulus: Here is Euopia, but I see not Cleo- 
mene, can any unhoped for misfortune have 
happened to — ah ! 

Cleomene: (rushing forward) Critobulus! you 
have me once again. 

Aristander: My good Euopia, since your capture 
all my thoughts have been of you ! 

fiuopia: I knew well that you would leave no plan 
untried to rescue me. 

Constans: (to Hervor) Chieftain, my debt of grat- 
itude is more than I can pay. 

Hervor: But promptly pay the debt of gold, and 
we will cancel claims that words can satisfy. 
Priest, settle the affair at once, our country 
needs our arms. We are impatient to begin 
the homeward march. 

Priest: There is nothing to prevent your imme- 
diate departure, and may favoring fortune . . 

19 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

Hervor: Do but pay the ransom. Your blessing 
will not increase its weight. 

Priest: You have carried off not only the women, 
but also the treasures belonging to the tem- 
ple of mighty Artemis, the tutelary goddess 
of our city. 

Hervor: The treasures of the temple we shall 
keep. They will serve to show our people 
in what vain ornaments the gods of Greece 
find pleasure. 

Priest: Hush! blasphemous barbarian. 

Hervor: (advancing towards him) Be you the 
messenger of Heaven's King himself, I will 
chastise you for your insolence. 

Priest: (presenting the fillets) I am the conse- 
crated priest of one who is the source of all 
our life. The power I wield trembles not at 
your passion. 

Siva: Respect, oh Chief, not the man, but the 
power he is vested with, (pointing on high). 

Hervor: (with subdued passion) Pay then the 
ransom and begone. 

Priest: The treasures you have taken belonged 
not to Miletus, but to the holy goddess Ar- 
temis. They were the offerings of the Greek, 
the Persian, the Roman, the Egyptian. These 
treasures of the. goddess, I her priest, bestow 
on you in exchange for the captives. 

Hervor: To bestow on us that which already is 
our own is indeed generous. 

Priest: By all the nations the temple of Artemis 
has been held inviolable. The foot of mortal 
has never before dared to desecrate its hal- 
lowed prescincts. 

Hervor: Let there be an end of talk, what we pos- 
sess is no more yours to give. 

20 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

Priest: You shall atone to the immortal gods for 
your rash act.. 

Hervor: Hervor seeks advise only from the priests 
of his own nation, the all wise Druids. 

Priest: You have violated a temple revered by all 
nations. 

Hervor: Let those who revere it restore its riches. 

Priest: Keep the treasure but give back to us the 
women. 

Hervor: Pay first the gold for ransom. 

Priest: Noble Aristander, we find ourselves de- 
ceived in our just expectations. The Gaul 
refuses to surrender the captives. 

Aristander: Then hasten back to the city, convoke 
the citizens, and in two or three days, the 
needed funds can be secured. 

Hervor: An hour hence we shall be on our march. 
Ample time has already been given you. It is 
not our injustice you must blame, but your 
own meanness and shallow cunning. Citi- 
zens of Miletus, your wives remain our pris- 
oners. 

Cleomene: Hear you that, Critobulus? The Gaul 
says we remain his prisoners. 

Critobulus: Calm yourself, my dear, you know 
that no sane man would take you (Cleomene 
looks up sharply) that is, . . . so many 
women ... to encumber him on a long 
journey. 

Aristander: Give us only two days, and the ran- 
som shall be made up. 

Hervor: Not two hours. Greater interests than 
any here demand that we set forth at once. 

Aristander: Cursed be the hour when first I 
yielded to politic fears and came a suppliant 
rather than a soldier. Never will I submit to 

21 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

this barbarian's arrogance. Here I fling 
under foot (he casts away the olive branch) 
the symbol of peace. Base robber, you shall 
not drag my wife away, unless over the body 
of her murdered husband, (with a movement 
as if seeking his sword.) 

Hervor: (Snatching a sword from one of his 
Gauls and throwing it toward Aristander) 
Here is a sword. Brave men know how to 
wield it. . .. . Stand all aside. . . We are 
matched man to man. Now as a soldier 
claim your wife. 

Siva: (throwing herself before Hervor) Chief of 
the Arverni, you are brave and of a noble 
spirit. This man is old and weak. It is no 
equal match. 

Hervor: A feeble arm should curb a haughty 
tongue. Seek not to thwart the wrath of 
Hervor. 

Siva: Although your prisoner, I will speak and 
shall repay you good for good. As you pro- 
tected me from wrong and insult, so stand- 
ing here, I shield your manhood from foul 
stain. Will it be a deed to boast of, that be- 
fore the wife's eyes you slew the husband 
who has raised his trembling arm in her de- 
fence? You are so powerful you can over- 
look his hasty words. 

Hervor: (stands for a moment in doubt) It shall 
be as you say. Priest, as the ransom has not 
been paid, the further presence of your em- 
bassy is needless, (to a Gaul) Conduct the 
Greeks beyond the limits of the Camp. 

Aristander: It is not will that lacks . . . 

Hervor: Old man, provoke me not again. 

Europia: Aristander, my husband, what will be- 
come of me? 

22 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

Aristander: My noble wife, endure as bravely as 
yan can thie dire calamity, for I will find 
some means — 

Hervor: (impatiently) The embassy is dismissed. 

Critobulus : Cleomene, your Critobulus' heart 
feels for you. 

(Exit embassy, except ConGtans.) 

Hervor: Well, young Greek, why are you still 
here? Begone with your friends. 

Constans: With my friends? What are friends 
to me at such an hour? 

Hervor: Away I say. Yield not to such unmanly 
weakness. 

Constans: Unmanly weakness! Order my arm 
lopped from its trunk. My tongue drawn 
quivering from its roots, and I will enter no 
moan of pain, but when you tear out my 
very heart, drain my life's blood, take from 
me that which is dearer than my own soul, 
then do I forget that I am a man, and kneel- 
ing thus before you I beg for mercy. Oh, 
spare my wife, restore her to me ! 

Hervor: Your wife belongs not unto me, nor have 
I the right to free her. Loved I a woman as 
you say you love, I'd burden not the air with 
vain complaints. My acts in her behalf 
should show the love that light-coined words 
are worthless to express. 

Constans : With all my soul I love my wife. What 
would you have me do? 

Hervor: Pay ransom and take her back. 

Constans: I would not sell her freedom for a sin- 
gle hour for ten times the sum you ask for 
all the captives. 

Hervor: Why have you not brought ransom? 

23 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

Constans: I, as well as my companions, placed 
confidence in the promise of our Priest and 
trusted you would either accept the costly 
presents of the temple, or grant us the oppor- 
tunity to raise the amount. 

Hervor: Time presses, and this talk must end. 
Heed well my words, and carry back this 
message to your people. For one year the 
Gauls will hold each captive wife a hostage 
and inviolate. If her husband value her 
enough within that year to journey to our 
land with proper ransom, he shall receive her 
back. Let the time expire but by a single 
day, he comes a day too late. 
This woman whom you love, young Greek, 
is fair to look upon. There is a sweentess in 
her glance and voice that charms the soul of 
even my rough warriors. To guard her bet- 
ter I'll take her in my care. And here I 
swear (drawing his sword) by the spirits 
that dwell in earth and ocean, fire and air, 
she shall receive no harm. From hunger, 
cold and want, harsh tasks, and harsher 
words, I will protect her. It's on oath. Fear 
not for her, but see you bring before the year 
is out a recompense worthy of her you love. 
Now, hence. 

Constans: Good chief, I cannot leave her. I will 
go with you, I will be your soldier, your at- 
tendant, whatever you may wish — only rob 
me not of my wife. 

Hervor: Our laws do not permit us to enlist 
strangers in our ranks. Go raise the ransom 
for your wife. Before another moon has 
waned we shall have reached our native land 

24 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

that borders on the Rhone. There Hervor 
lives. From the Massalian port a guide will 
soon conduct you to our village. Be assured 
for a year your wife is safe in person and in 
honor. (He leads Siva away.) 

(CURTAIN.) 



*5 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 



ACT II. 



SCENE i. 
Late Afternoon. 

A village on the banks of the Rhone. Women 
carding wool, among them the captive Greeks. On 
one side is seen the cone shaped house of Hervor. 

Siva, Euopia, Cleomene. 

Euopia: No tidings yet. The year is almost gone. 
I cannot understand it. Our situation daily 
grows -more hopeless. 

Siva: Vain grieving will not better it. 

Euopia:. .1 am too sick at heart to wear the mask 
of resignation. The last month is drawing to 
a close, and still the ransom does not come. 

Siva: I sometimes doubt whether 'twill ever come. 

Euopia: Oh, Siva! Siva! Would our husbands 
abandon us to a fate so horrible, a slavery so 
vile? 

Siva: We are not slaves, but hostages. 

Euopia : Yes, for the time ; but oh ! how few the 
days that leave us that poor privilege ! If 
the ransom fails . . . What if the ran- 
som fails, Siva? 

Siva: Our fate hangs upon the pleasure of our 
captors. Is it wise to provoke them with 
lamentation and repining? Were it not bet- 
ter to court their favor and seek from their 
good will some mercy and protection? 

Euopia: Court the favor of a barbarian, I, the wife 
of Aristander? In all Miletus there is no 

27 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

nobler nature. Dear to him is his honor, but 
dearer far the wife he loves; dear to him 
are the greetings of his children when he re- 
turns from public cares, but dearer even than 
these is the voice of the mother who bore 
them. Yes, Aristander is coming; my hope 
does not deceive me. 

Siva : I hope so, for your sakes ! 

Euopia: Oh, Siva! These are not your thoughts. 
Has not your husband been always kind to 
you? 

Siva: Yes, indeed! But is kindness alone that a 
wife needs? 

Euopia: Of late, Siva, you frighten me. I cannot 
bear to see you thus calm, resigned to com- 
ing evil. Your words are not your thoughts. 
Have not you too, as well as I, left your 
heart in dear Miletus? 

Siva: It was my birthplace and childhood's home. 
I were no Greek, did I not love my country. 

Euopia: Home, Siva, home! Shall we ever see 
that home again? Last. night, I slept a rest- 
less, troubled sleep, and in the stillness and 
deep darkness suddenly awoke. It seemed 
my spirit at that instant had left my frame, 
and was transported swiftly as the flash of 
thought to far Miletus, to my own desolate 
home. There sat my sad browed husband ; 
at his side our weeping children knelt, and 
with their sweet voices choked with sobs 
murmured "Mother." I would have clasped 
them to my heart, when lo! they faded from 
me, ind I was alone upon my couch, a 
wreuhed captive (bursting into tears). 

Cleomene : (to Siva) You do not really think that 
our husbands will leave us here? Do not say 

28 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

i 

that, good Siva. Cleomene begs you not to 

say it. 

Siva: I thought at first we should be soon re- 
leased. Thrice time enough has passed, and 
yet no offer has been made. Perhaps our 
places are already filled. 

Cleomene: (springing to her feet) Filled! 

Siva: Was aot your fair faced young niece left in 
your house? If gossip at Miletus spoke the 
truth your husband would not look to her 
in vaii for consolation. 

Cleomene: (indignantly) She take my place! 
Celestial Hera never would permit such sac- 
rilege. (Reflecting) Yet Critobulus often 
winked and nodded at her, and now I re- 
member when I was busied with my house- 
hold cares, he used each day to spend some- 
time with her alone, because, he said, being 
young and ignorant she needed the instruc- 
tion of her elders. (with venom) The 
treacherous cat, to scratch the hand that fed 
her ! Wait till I get back to Miletus ! The 
hair is thin upon your head, Critobulus, but 
there is a handful left, and you shall find 
your wife has not yet lost her grip. (Clenches 
her hand). 

Euopia: (rising and leading Siva away) Come 
with me, Siva, dear Siva, I would speak to 
you, for in this dreary land, surrounded by 
fierce barbarian hordes, you, with your face 
so bright, your form so lithe, you are the sun- 
shine, the joy of our miserable life. 

Siva: What would you, Euopia? 

Euopia: Forgive me, Siva, but only last night 
again, unknown to you I watched you in the 
forest shade under yonder cypress tree 
bathed in tears, while you — you invoked— 

29 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

Siva: Hush Euopia, come further away — let not 
the other captives know. 

Euopia: Never fear, Siva. 

Siva: Some other day, I will unbosom myself to 
you freely, you will then know how sustained 
only by my woman's pride I resigned my- 
self to fate — know that Constans, my hus- 
band — 

Euopia : Well — 

Siva: His claim to belong to an Athenian family 
was only a lie, for upon his body were 
branded the words "C-i— ci-li-an slave" (hiss- 
ing the words). 

Euopia: Holy Artemis! 

Siva: You remember that day when we saw him 
flushed with victory at the Panathenian 
games, which you know are open to all — 
Greek — Roman — and Barbarian alike — wav- 
ing his champion crown — "Here comes the 
champion" — "Here comes the strong;" the 
people shouted. His eyes met mine and dis- 
mounting he laid his victor's crown at my 
feet. The crowd applauded and my fate was 
sealed, — that same night just think of it, Eu- 
opia, — he became my husband, for the Priests 
of Artemis so decreed. (She hides her face.) 
What am I? A wife? No, only a — slave's 
concubine ; Proclaim the wrong, the decep- 
tion, denounce him? What of it? What 
of it? Now Euopia you know all. I seek no 
freedom. I am content to remain here, here 
as I am ! 

Euopia: You should have considered carefully 
your hasty action ! Even the priests of 
Artemis could not — 

Siva: If we always considered the results of our 
actions, there would be no sins committed. 

30 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

Euopia: Ah, Siva, Siva, you must endure — the 
laws — 

Siva: Laws! What are laws? I did not make 
them ! I will not submit to them. I will 
not, nay I will not ! I am a woman, not a 
slave ! What was I once and what am I 
through Constans? Life was to me a sum- 
mer garden with golden trellises and shady 
trees and waters as bright as crystal with 
rosy flowers and singing birds and he — he 
has darkened it and fouled its springs and 
broken down its flowers ! My life now seems 
dull and colorless, and if the abyss is my 
grave, no one will miss me, nor mourn for 
me ! 

Euopia: Poor, poor, Siva, Constans then shows 
you no love? 

Siva: Love! Love! Only three weeks after our 
marriage he used to torture me after his 
feasts when drunk, or when he recovered 
from one of his swoons, and how I struggled, 
to conceal my miserable existence ! But one 
thing he did to me Euopia, one thing, which 
broke the last thread of his falsehood and 
deception. Bend your ear. It is a marvel, 
which I myself do not understand, that I 
did not grow wicked with such a man, a man 
who — why should I conceal it — who when 
we were at Athens because he craved politi- 
cal promotion sought to win through me, the 
favor of that reprobate — Megacles ! Think 
of it, Euopia, my husband brought the old 
man into my house — but our hostess, a good 
woman, overheard the conversation and be- 
trayed it all to me ! It is so base, so vile — 
it seems to blacken my soul — only to think 
of it! 

3i 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

Euopia : Holy Artemis, and yet everybody thought 
he was a most devoted lover. 

Siva: He has all the cunning of a slave. His love 
is only a pretense, an excuse for revenge and 
inordinate ambition — more I could tell, but 
enough for the present. Hush, here comes 
Hervor. 

(Enter Hervor ..and Divico returning from 
the chase.) 

Hervor: Come to me, Divico, at sundown, and 
we'll discuss your plan. I am wearied and 
would be alone. Let the women withdraw. 
(Exeunt Divico and women.) 

Divico: Then, chief, at sundown. 

Hervor: (Hervor notices Siva, who is slowly walk- 
ing away) Siva! 

Siva: (turning) — You — you called me? 

Hervor: Come hither, Siva, I wish to have some 
talk with you. 

Siva: You said the women should withdraw. 

Hervor: And you remained. I say now, "Come 
to me." Will you a second time slight my 
request? 

Siva: (laughing) — Oh, no! I dare not. (Running 
up to him.) Accept, O chief, the service of 
your armor-bearer. (She takes his spear and 
shield, and endeavors to carry them to the 
cottage, but staggers under the weight.) 

Hervor: Nay, those slender hands were not fash- 
ioned for such a task. (He takes the shield 
and with one hand throws it across the 
stage.) 

Siva: How strong you are! and brave and gener- 
ous as strong. 

33 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

Hervor: (his brow clouding) — There is some fa- 
vor that you seek. 

Siva: I seek no favor. To the captive you have 
been more than kind. Why do you think 
that I would ask a favor? 

Hervor: There is a verse the Druids teach our 
youth. "Let the grown man beware the wo- 
man's tongue that praises. It has a hidden 
motive, and in it lurks a power more dan- 
gerous than in a foeman's sword." 

Siva: Your Druids, like the philosophers of my 
own land, teach what they know — it is not 
much, and when they reach the end of that, 
why, just the same, they keep on teaching 
still. In the deep shadow of their forests 
they may read the secrets of the stars, the 
storms, find out the poisons and the cures 
in plants — what can they know of woman? 

Hervor: The Druids, Siva, are all-powerful. From 
their lips the wisdom of ages speaks. It is 
for us to listen and revere. 

Siva: I know their lore is great. But did each 
Druid meditate a thousand years beneath his 
sacred oak, there is one mystery he could 
not solve — the springs that move a woman's 
heart (Laughing.) She cannot tell herself. 
. . . But there is something you would 
say to me (hesitating) . . . master. 

Hervor: Master! No, not yet. The hostage still 
may be reclaimed. 

Siva: The year has almost passed. 

Hervor: It was not many days ago I saw the new 
moon rise above yon hills, a narow band of 
faint and silvery light. Last night I watched 
it mirrored in the Rhone. The slender disk 
had broadened, and a flood of splendor fell 

33 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

upon our valley. Unless the rescuer comes 
before that moon is full, he comes too late to 
save. 

Siva: (eagerly) — To save? To save from whom? 

Hervor: From me, Hervor, the Gaul, who then 
indeed will be your master. I pledged my 
word to hold you for a year safe from all 
harm. Here, under the shelter of my own 
roof, you have dwelt. Thus far I redeemed 
my promise? 

Siva: You have. 

Hervor: That I might better do so, I myself satis- 
fied the demands of Divico and Gasper. 
None other has a claim. To avoid every 
base suspicion that may attach itself to your 
fair name, I placed my mother as your guard- 
ian. She watched you in your hours of des- 
pair, consoled you when you pined for home, 
protected you from every danger. But now 
the end approaches. Unless within the 
stated time your husband, Constans, sets you 
free, his rights are mine. Ah, now you fear! 
you tremble ! 

Siva: Yes; (aside), but not with fear. 

Hervor: You still have hope that he will come? 

Siva : Each day that brings no tidings lessens hope. 
Still, Constans may have delayed (Looking 
up archly). You will, of course, give him 
another month? 

Hervor: (passionately) — No, not another day. I 
keep my pledge, no more. I have learned it 
is the fashion of your people lightly to prom- 
ise what they do not mean to do. We Gauls 
are different. Yet your polished Greek looks 
with scorn on our rude life and simple cus- 
toms. 

34 



HER VOR, THE GA UL 

Siva: Courage and honor never meet with scorn. 
My own people once had both. Now they 
hire their soldiers, and for gods worship the 
features stamped upon their drachmas. It 
seems they hold these drachmas dearer than 
their wives. . . . We captives have little 
to lose by a change of masters. 

Hervor: Worthy are you, Siva, to be a soldier's 
wife. If the Fates should so decree, you 
would submit? 

Siva: The Fates rule all; we must submit to them. 

Hervor: (eagerly approaching her) — Siva! (He 
checks himself.) — No! No! The moon is not 
yet full. There is no stain upon the honor 
of Hervor, and none shall fall there now. 
(To Siva). Siva, until the moon is full I 
await your husband. If he comes, he shall 
have cordial welcome at the hands of Hervor. 
(Exit.) 

Siva: Mighty Artemis, 'twas thou that placed me 
in this chieftain's power. I have seen his 
manhood, courage, strength. I have lived 
under his generous care ; and I have learned 
to love him. I, whose heart ne'er beat a throb 
quicker for man's homage, who sometimes 
thought my bosom carved from Parian stone, 
so cold it seemed, bear now within a surging 
fire that causes it to glow as some statue of 
Venus, bathed in the flush of sunset. If the 
foul slave who brought me from my par- 
ents cares still so much for his pet toy that 
he would seek to purchase it a second time, 
I crave thy aid. May wind and storm beat 
back his ship, may foes beset his path, and 
false guides lure him back from the way. 
I, too, with eager eyes shall watch the 

35 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

growing moon. No word of love has Hervor 
spoken, but his looks, his tones, his anxious, 
tender care for me, make manifest his 
• thought; and I, the helpless captive, am now 
become half captor. His plighted word alone 
still stands between us. It seems our mutual 
love might burn the barrier down. And yet 
— patience, beating heart ! A few more suns 
will rise and set, and then the barrier falls 
itself. Our poets tell us that the hours are 
winged; why fly they then so slow? (Exit.) 

Before the House of Hervor. Moonlight. Hervor 

and Divico. 

Hervor: So the Allobroges again are in commo- 
tion ! If they break the peace a second time, 
it shall fare worse with them. 

Divico: A general council of their nation has been 
summoned. The older chiefs advise a pru- 
dent course, but the young nobles are zealous 
to renew the war. 

Hervor: Then war it is to be. The hot blood of 
youth will never check its course and flow, 
a sluggish stream, in time-worn channels. 
We must prepare for war, Divico. 

Divico: Such preparation is soon made. The 
troops of Hervor wait but for his summons. 
The nearer levies are already under arms. 
In three days' time our army can cross their 
borders. 

Hervor: I would it were some other foe. Too 
often our swords are turned against a kindred 
people. Could we, Divico, but lay aside these 
tribal names — Allobroges, Arverni, Aeduans 
— and remember only that we are all Gauls, 
what region of the earth could set a limit to 
our race? What nation could refuse us 

36 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

tribute? But while we quarrel here, in our 
own home, we give the Greek, the Roman, 
the Carthaginian, time to breathe and grow. 
Still the Allobroges are in the wrong, and if 
they break the peace, we must enforce our 
claims. Call forth, then, all our forces, but 
strike no blow. Gasper shall go to-morrow 
as herald to their council to announce our 
just demands. We will await their answer. 
Now, good-night. (Exit Divico.) 

Hervor: (alone)— The sword is the only road to 
peace with the Allobroges. They conquered, 
the way lies open to Italy. What fairer 
country could invite our arms? (Enter Siva, 
who approaches him unperceived.) Still 
Gasper shall offer honorable conditions. If 
their senate is not unreasonable, we will post- 
pone this war. (Gazes for a moment in si- 
lence on the river.) My heart is not now 
in it. 

Siva: Where, then, is Hervor's heart? 

Hervor: You — you ask me? Hervor's whole heart, 
its every throb and beat is — (Recalls him- 
self.) I — Ispoke of the coming war. 

Siva: And said your heart was not now in the 
war. Where is it, Hervor? 

Hervor: Look out upon that river, Siva. See its 
calm and steady flow. There's scarce a rip- 
ple moving on its tranquil surface. Yet I 
have seen it when the tempest lashed its wa- 
ters, till in their, fury they leaped high in the 
air, and surging o'er their banks tore up great 
forest-trees and whirled them on their waxes 
as playthings. How like the life-current in 
ourselves ! On my soul, fierce storms of war 
have burst, and all my spirit joyed in slaugh- 

37 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

ter, conquest, and the clash of arms. To- 
night the turmoil, and the din of war seem 
far away ; I see a life of peace unfold, the 
sword drawn only for defence, a people ruled 
with justice and with law — a life as deep and 
calm as yonder river, with just such a pure, 
soft light to fall upon it. Compared with this, 
how worthless seems a conqueror's crown ! 

Siva: Where would you find the light, Hervor? 

Hervor : Where ? I — 

Siva: Hervor, look at me. Look into my eyes, 
Hervor. 

Hervor: (turning away)— Constans, whose wife 
you are — 

Siva: Let us not speak of him. 

Hervor: Will come to take you from us. 

Siva: He will not come. But seven days remain. 

Hervor: (aside) — Would they had passed. 

Siva: You would not give me back to him? 

Hervor: Should he pay the ransom, our laws com- 
pel. Then, too, he has my solemn pledge. 

Siva: Hervor, you could not do it. When, an- 
gered by factious opposition, you return from 
council, your brow all overcast with care, 
and the slaves draw back in fear of some 
fierce outbreak, whose laughing voice has 
power to drive the clouds away and bring 
the sunshine back? It v/as not many days 
ago you spoke in praise of something I .had 
done, and, jesting, doubted whether even 
rich Miletus had gold enough to pay my 
ransom. I do not think that this was all a 
jest. Hervor, you could not let me go? 

Hervor: Siva, we wrong ourselves and much of- 
fend the gods to hold this talk to-night. Let 
but the sun go down upon the seventh day 

38 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

from this, and Hervor's lips are free to speak 
his thoughts. 

Siva: (coldly) — Say rather his commands. If 
Hervor waits till Siva is his slave, what need 
has he to ask? In a slave the sole virtue is 
obedience. Is obedience all that Hervor asks 
from Siva? 

Hervor: Not the obedience of a slave. Whatever 
I may ask, it shall be yours to grant or re- 
fuse. If you refuse — well then — Hervor has 
paid the ransom. You shall be free. 

Siva: (in astonishment) — Free? 

Hervor: Yes, free. Free even to return to your 
old home and former friends. 

Siva: To go back to Miletus? 

Hervor: If such be your wish. 

Siva: To take my place again in Constan's house, 
live close immurred within its narrow walls, 
be his chief servant, ruling o'er a band of 
slaves as sad and hopeless as myself? This 
were a bondage compared to which my pres- 
ent lot is liberty. No, generous Hervor, not 
such is the use that I would make of free- 
dom. 

Hervor: To what use, then, would you put it, 
Siva? 

Siva: (laughing and withdrawing towards the 
house) — You cannot guess? Of course, you 
cannot guess (standing in the doorway.) 
Well, then, I would entrust it to the care of 
one I love — if he should ask for it. (Closes 
the door.) (Exit.) 

Hervor: (musing) — Love! I've heard there is a 
charm that has a power so subtle o'er man's 
heart, it changes all his nature. There was 
a soldier once, ruthless and stern of purpose. 

39 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

His march through far Ionia was marked by 
day with blood, lighted at night by blazing 
towns. At the name, Hervor the Gaul, the 
bravest trembled; the timid sought unavail- 
ing shelter in their pillaged temples. Where 
is this Hervor? Where is Hervor? For I, 
that bear his name look on ambition as a fool- 
ish dream, and feel that peace alone brings 
happiness. Surely the charm has fallen on 
my soul. I am content. It is so strange and 
sweet, I'd rather die, enraptured by its spell, 
than live to see it broken. 

Siva: (appearing at a window) — Hervor! 

Hervor: (turning slowly around) — I never knew 
there was such music in the name. 

Siva: I am not, then, to be a slave? 

Hervor: No, not a slave. 

Siva : And you will leave me free to choose the life 
I wish? 

Hervor: When it is mine to say, you shall be free. 

Siva: For this self-sacrifice the gods will certainly 
reward you. 

Hervor: The gods? 

Siva: Oh, yes. The gods in heaven and — and 
some one else on earth. And so good-night, 
Hervor. (Retires from the window, throws 
a flower which falls at his feet. He picks 
it up, kisses it. He stands as one entranced. 
Enter Constans, Kainon, and guide. No 
change in Constans' make-up or dress.) 

Guide : This is the place, and this is the house. 

Constans: It is late, but we must seek admittance. 
I will not wait for day. (Advancing towards 
the house, he comes face to face with Her- 
vor.) The very man we look for! Gaul I 
bring the ransom. (Tableau.) 

40 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

Hervor: (turns and faces him) — Who speaks of 
ransom? What phantoms of the night are 
here? 

Constans: I am Constans of Miletus. Between 
yourself and me there is a solemn compact. 
Gaul, you cannot have forgotten. 

Hervor: (slowly, absorbed in thought) — Yes, you 
are Constans. Yes, yes — Constans of Mi- 
letus. 

Constans: (in sudden alarm) — Your words . . . 
your actions . . . Where is Siva? Your 
oath, Gaul, your oath. If you have broken it, 
if aught of harm has come to her, upon you I 
invoke no feeble human vengeance, but may 
the curse of all the mighty gods — 

Hervor: Check on your lips the unbridled words. 
A Gaul breaks not his oath. 

Constans: Then Siva? 

Hervor: Can answer for herself. Under that roof 
she dwells, her honor spotless as when the 
fates consigned her to my care. 

Constans: Noble Hervor, pardon my rash words; 
but could you know the deep, absorbing love 
a husband feels for her who is the sunlight 
of his home, you'd wonder not I am so 
anxious. She is, you say, in yonder house? 

Hervor: She has just passed within. 

Constans: Then let me go to her at once. 

Hervor : Stay ! 

Constans: What now? Ah, true, I had forgotten 
the ransom. (Takes a casket from Kainon.) 
Here it is. 

Hervor: Of all your wealth, what portion do you 
give as fitting ransom for this captive? 

Constans: I have sold my house, my lands, all that 
I have. For her I will gladly give all. Here 
in this casket are a thousand golden staters. 

41 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

Hervor: A thousand golden staters! In itself a 
goodly sum, but that for which you offer it 
is of a .worth so rare that — 

Constans: Then, Gaul, I — 

Hervor: Hear me, Greek. You came within the 
stated time, ere yet the twelfth moon has 
rounded out its circle. Had the year passed 
by . . . The woman's face is fair, and I 
am wifeless ... I might myself have 
loved her. That which you would gain 
and I .must lose has value beyond price. You 
offer all ; I can take nothing. 

Constans: What subterfuge is this? I come armed 
only with my right, but strong in that I claim 
my own. 

Hervor: It is the one weapon that avails you here. 
Your claim is just. 

Constans : Take, then, the ransom. 

Hervor: To a true man there are things of nobler 
worth than gold. Were this woman mine, 
mine in the sight of gods and men, think you 
there's any sum I'd hold as her equivalent? 
You, having lost her, would give your all for 
her return. Our rights conflict. You can- 
not buy ; I cannot sell. The greater right is 
yours ; therefore I give. 

Constans: But, Gaul, my pride is equal to your 
own. It is not meet I thus accept — 

Hervor: The fourth part of this sum, which is, you 
say, your all, our law gives to my people. Pay 
that, if you will. There, spare your thanks. 
To-morrow you shall rest here as my guest. 
Next day I will myself conduct you to our 
borders. (He throws open the door of the 
house). Take, then, your wife, she is no 
more my captive. The door is open. Enter! 

(CURTAIN.) 

42 



HER] 'OR, THE GAUL 



ACT III. 

(A Room in the Gaul's House. Siva arranging her 
toilet for the night and singing to herself:) 

There's a rapture in loving 

Suffuses the heart 
With a rich glow of pleasure 

Naught else can impart. 
A rapture in loving, 

If your love be true ; 
A rapture in loving 

The one that loves you. 

There's a rapture in loving- 
One would not control, 
There's a rapture in loving 
Like a sweet strain of music 

Entrancing the soul. 
A rapture in loving, 

If your love be true ; 
A rapture in loving 

The one that loves you. 

(While she is singing the last verse, the door of 
the room slowly opens, and Constans stands watch- 
ing her. Siva does not see him.) 

Constans: (clasping her in his arms) — Then be 
that rapture mine. Siva, my wife! my love! 
restored to me at last. (Kissing her.) 

Siva: (disengaging herself from his arms) — Con- 
stans! you — you here? You — you frightened 
me! 

43 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

Constans : Frightened you, love ! I meant this for 
a joyful surprise. But, dear wife, how pale 
you are ! You must have suffered cruelly 
in this barbarous land. 

Siva: It is not that, but — You're coming was so 
sudden. Why did you not give some notice? 

Constans: My eager love would brook no herald. 
Forgive me, Siva, if I was too abrupt. I 
should have remembered that sudden shocks 
of joy or grief alike are dangerous. But you 
are faint ; some sickness you cannot conceal ? 

Siva: No, no; your sudden coming startled me. 
How could I know that it was you? There 
— see, I am better now. 

Constans: Then, sweet wife, let me clasp you to 
my heart, and hold you there forever. (Takes 
her again in his arms.) 

Siva: (gently freeing herself) — Nay, Constans, 
that were long for a position so constrained. 
Every pleasure must have its limit. 

Constans: Then let hours, not moments, measure 
the extent of this, Siva ! (He reaches out his 
arms, but she shakes her head and motions 
him back.) What! Coy as ever? Well, 
well, I love you as you are. 

Siva: Does — does Hervor know that you are 
here? 

Constans: Hervor himself led me to the threshold, 
where, saluting me as guest, he bade me en- 
ter. But one word, does he, does he know — 
have you revealed to him (bending slowly to 
hej ear) anything of the past? 

Siva: No, no, no. 

Constans : The truth, Siva, the truth ! 

Siva: Shall I proclaim my own disgrace? I tell you 
Hervor knows nothing, but he doubtless 
thinks you have brought my ransom? 

44 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

Constans: Why* so I have. 

Siva: Constans, in Miletus we were not accounted 
rich. Successful war has poured much treas- 
ure into Gaul. I fear you have not brought 
a sum that Hervor will accept. 

Constans: Why, Siva, dismiss that fear. When 
a man has a wife, beautiful, as you are, as 
sweet as a flower, as gay and bright as a 
bird, why — money never fails him. 

Siva: Hush — So you accepted money — 

Constans: How could I help it? Megacles, Siva, 
loves you well. If we two, inside these four 
walls," he said more than once to me, "want 
to see anything like a pleasing sight, we must 
ransom Siva." The old fool turned his mer- 
chandise into coin and started me from Mi- 
letus to redeem you. He placed into my 
hands two thousand staters, but this Her- 
vor, half savage though he be, bears in his 
breast a generous soul. Think, of the one 
thousand staters I tendered him he takes 
only the fourth. 

Siva: (haughtily) — Indeed! It seems he rated my 
value low. 

Constans: (laughs) — He, ho. There spake the 
woman ! Ah, Siva, Siva, could vanity go 
further? My pretty wife would have this 
wolf-skin wearer prize her charms so high, 
Megacles' all would scarce suffice to buy 
them back. 

Siva: I would not have him sell me as a com- 
mon slave. 

Constans: A common slave? Oh, no; no fear of 
that. You wrong him, Siva. You little 
know the value he sets upon you. He says 
had I not come within the year, he might 

45 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

have loved you and made ypu his own wife. 
Think of Megacles' despair, ha! ha! should 
such a misfortune have happened ! You, the 
wife of a barbarian ! Come, thank me with 
a loving kiss that I have saved you. 

Siva: (tearing herself from him) What further 
did he say? 

Constans :He asked what portion of my wealth I 
tendered for your ransom ? I told him I 
had sold our whole possessions and counted 
you well worth them all, and then I prof- 
fered him a thousand staters. 

Siva: Well? 

Constans: Had not he in his impatience stopped 
me, I would have added, "That sum is half 
my all ; the other half is also here, sewed up 
in the garments of my slaves. If half will 
not suffice, then take the whole." 

Siva: And he? 

Constans: Broke in impetuously and said, that 
which we bargained for had value beyond 
price. I offered all ; he could take nothing ! 

Siva: (eagerly) — And so he will not give me up? 

Constans: In such a case would I be here so 
blithe and joyous? (Catching her in his 
arms.) Would you, dear Siva, thus undis- 
turbed be resting in my arms? He bade me 
tell you that you are no more his captive. 

Siva : Ah ! 

Constans : And of the sum I mentioned, which he 
supposed my total wealth, bade me pay only 
the fourth part due by their law unto his 
people. The barbarian's conduct was con- 
siderate. 

Siva: You did not tell him of the gold the slaves 
conceal ? 

46 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

Constans: He did not give me time. 

Siva: (again releasing herself) — Then, Constans, 
you have lost yourself and me. When Her- 
vor discovers this deceit — 

Constans : My slaves are faithful ; they will not be- 
tray us. 

Siva: (excitedly) — Are we to trust our lives to 
the discretion of a slave? This Gaul, when 
wronged, is merciless. His eye is keen, his 
temper passionate ; his honor is the god he 
worships. Should he detect the trick that 
you have played upon him — 

Constans: I meant no trick. I did not look upon 
it so. But I will go to him to-morrow and 
make known the truth. To-night, sweet 
Siva, my thoughts are all of you. 

Siva: Talk not, Constans, of to-morrow. The 
danger lurks to-night. The rustle of a gar- 
ment, a chance word falling from a sleeper's 
lips, a servant's thoughtlessness, a slave's re- 
venge for some remembered slight — all these 
are instant perils. You must speak with 
Hervor at once. 

Constans : Well, I will seek the Gaul. But (sigh- 
ing) I grudge each moment I am absent from 
you. 

Siva: Go, Constans, go. You must not tarry 
here a moment more. Go — go. (Exit Con- 
stans.) Oh, wretched Siva ! within three 
days of happiness, and now lost — lost ! Three 
brief and fleeting days ! Could ye not have 
joined your fellows in the past, ere this keen 
i scented hound tracked out his victim? (Pac- 
ing to and fro.) I cannot and I will not bear 
it. He said I should be free. And lo ! he 
gives me back, unwarned and unconsulted, 

47 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

to this detested bondage. Hervor, % Hervor, 
is your promise made to me less binding 
than your pledge to Constans? Have I no 
rights? Because I am a woman shall I be 
bought and given, yet speak no word my- 
self? I will not go back to Miletus to live 
with him again. I will not. To be petted, 
kissed, and live in base subservience to a 
slave I loathe. Enough of the past — enough 
— I must escape ere he returns — Out — out 
into the forest. The hunted hare seeks glad- 
ly any covert. I'll find refuge anywhere 
until this man is gone (wrapping herself in 
a himation, she hurries to the door, but is 
met by Constans returning. Siva staggers 
back.) Ye gloomy deities that spin the 
thread of fate, have ye no mercy? 

Constans: Why, where now, Siva? 

Siva: (much agitated) — What did Hervor say? 

Constans: I found him not. All, save ourselves, 
are long ago at rest. 

Siva: I will go forth to seek him. 

Constans: (stopping her) — Not so; we'll risk to- 
night. My slaves are sleeping soundly. In- 
deed, they are so exhausted, that for the last 
hour of our journey they scarce could drag 
their wearied limbs along. 

Siva: (suddenly changing her manner) — Con- 
stans, I think you always meant to treat me 
kindly. I have a boon to ask you to-night. 
You will not refuse me? 

Constans: Can I refuse you anything? 

Siva: Leave me now until to-morrow. I — 

Constans: Leave you? What whim has caught 
your fancy now? We have been parted for 
a year, the husband from the wife, and in 

48 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

the very hour of our reunion you bid me 
leave you? Did I believe you serious, I 
should say you are unreasonable. 

Siva: Do you not see that I am all unnerved by 
this day's happenings? I am but a woman, 
and have not a man's stolid nature to en- 
dure, unmoved, the heat, the cold, the sun- 
shine, and the storm. 

Constans: So much the greater is your need of 
man's protection. 

Siva: Grant me this favor. 

Constans: A year ago I yielded to your pleading, 
and permitted you to celebrate the rites of 
Artemis. See what a moment's weakness 
cost us both. Now you are regained, think 
you I'd trust you from my sight for a whole 
night? 

Siva: (coldly) — And yet you can refuse me noth- 
ing. 

Constans: Nothing, save this. We'll speak of it 
no more. We must not quarrel at this happy 
time. 

Siva: (aside) — How I loathe this man! Can he 
not read it in my looks? Or is his blindness 
mere pretence? There is, then, no escape? 
This hour is his — but with its agony and 
shame, at least, I'll buy immunity for all the 
time to come. I see — I see the way. (To 
Constans.) Forgive me if I seem capricious. 
I have been sorely tried. 

Constans: (gayly) — Now that's the humor that I 
like to have you in. I do believe I love you 
better for these changing moods. 

Siva: After all, it is most fortunate you did not 
find the Gaul. To confess were now more 
dangerous than to conceal. It is to exchange 
a threatened peril for a certain one. 

49 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

Constans: I do not understand. 

Siva: I know the Gaul's hot temper, prompting 
him to deeds his cooler judgment oft regrets. 
I fear some misapprehension that would 
destroy, not help us. 

Constans: I will speak the simple truth. That 
cannot be misunderstood. 

Siva: Your motive may be, for Hervor scorns de- 
ceit. At day-break go to your slaves; win 
them to caution with hopes of freedom and 
reward. If they betray us, we are lost. 

Constans: There is no fear of that; and yet I'd 
•rather the Gaul knew the truth. 

Siva: He must not know. It is too late. Yield 
in this, Constans, to my better judgment 
of the man. Promise, for my sake. 

Constans: For your sake, dear Siva, I'd promise 
anything, and seal it so (kissing her), and 
so. (Exeunt) 

(Before the house of Hervor. Night.) 

Hervor: (Seated alone and in deep dejection) — Not 
morning yet — not morning yet ! Would it 
might never dawn, but leave the world 
henceforth in gloom ! There needs no glare 
of day to show the desperate soul its wretch-' 
edness ; it feels it in the dark. Out of them 
all, only one Greek; and he — (Starting up 
fiercely.) Why comes he not with armies 
at his back — ay, at the head of the rich Mi- 
letus mercenary bands, with all Massalia's 
legions marshalled to their aid ! How we 
would beat them ! How the Celtic darts 
would leap for Grecian blood ! And in that 
hour of triumph, Siva should see — (Recall- 
ing himself.) Siva! Why, I have lost her! 

50 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

I have given her up — I have given her up. 
She told me once I could not do it. She, 
whom no force could take, no gold could 
buy, this woman, whose love I'd count worth 
all the world beside, bartered for one rash 
oath! Was there no friendly spirit near to 
palsy my mad tongue ere it could frame the 
damning words? (Lights down) — See how 
the clouds are gathering overhead ! The 
wind sweeps by in fitful gusts, and I, who 
dreamed of peace — I seem to hear again 
the battle shout and feel the rage for war. 
It is the edict of the gods. We mortals are 
not free to choose, but must pursue the nar- 
row path our destiny has marked. 

(Enter Siva in night attire, a mantle 
thrown over her shoulders.) 

Siva: Hervor! Hervor! 

Hervor: (starting) — You at this hour and alone? 

Siva: Yes, I. Hush, Hervor, I must speak with 
you. 

Hervor: Your husband? 

Siva: He is asleep. (Drawing him apart.) Come! 
come further from the house. 

Hervor: (his voice trembling) — What is it that 
you wish? (Follows her.) 

Siva : I have that to tell you which you alone must 
hear. Hervor, you have been kind to Siva. 
She owes you fealty and truth, not treachery. 

Hervor: Treachery! 

Siva: Know that my crafty husband has deceived 
you — made you his dupe. The wily Greek 
boasts of his cunning, laughing at the Gaul's 
simplicity. 

Hervor:- He dares not. 

Siva: Trickery is the trader's weapon, as the 

5i 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

sword's the soldier's. In exchange for me 
did he not promise all his wealth? 

Hervor: Yes, all. He offered all. 

Siva: And by his liberal proffer so wrought upon 
your noble soul that you renounced your 
claim, and gave me back to his detested 
arms? 

Hervor: Could I gainsay his right? 

Siva: That fancied right was based upon a lie. 
Hush ! Bend your ear. The thousand 
staters were but half; there is another thou- 
sand sewn in the garments of his followers. 
Master, take the gold and me, for both are 
justly yours. 

Hervor: The gold and you! Hear I aright? You, 
who this night have slept within his arms — 

Siva: I have not slept. The fevered brain, the 
anguished heart, are not the haunts of sleep. 
Hervor, this slave for his base falsehood mer- 
its death. Let not a life whose feeble thread 
a word, a touch may sever, stand now be- 
tween us. 

Hervor: The gold and you! With words of love 
still lingering in your ears, with kisses warm 
upon your lips- 
Siva: But, Hervor — 

Hervor: The arms that held you scarce unclasped. 

Siva: Nay, hear me! 

Hervor: (with growing passion) — You steal forth 
in the silence of the night — • 

Siva : Hervor, oh, Hervor ! hear me ! 

Hervor: And bid me slay the man whom you have 
luled to sleep and dreams of love. (Pushes 
her from him with violence.) 

Siva: Oh, Hervor! 

Hervor: You urge me to a deed so foul that — 

52 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

Siva: (throwing herself at his feet) — Your scorn 
will kill me. Have pity, Hervor, pity. 

Hervor: (after a few moments) — Come, Siva, 
(raising her.) Do you not know that what 
you ask can never be? That you yourself 
would shudder to clasp a hand crimsoned 
with innocent blood? 

Siva: He is a traitor. 

Hervor: Shall the wife's lips condemn her hus- 
band? 

Siva: Rather say the slave's her tyrant. I never 
loved this man. Because my face was fair 
he bought me from my parents as he buys his 
other merchandise. Content to lavish his 
own love upon the living statue he'd acquired 
the right to fondle, to know the thing he 
clasped was tractable, he never asked, "Has 
it a heart?" The passion in his soul that he 
calls love, in mine is hate. 

Hervor: Siva! 

Siva: Oh, Hervor, had he not come you would 
have loved me. Then love me still, for I am 
yours. 

Hervor: (without replying to Siva, but as one 
communing with himself) First gain the 
wife's love — the holy love that sanctifies the 
home — then murder the husband to keep the 
unhallowed gain! 

Siva: It is no murder thus to punish fraud. And 
were it so, "Love to meet love is a divine 
destroyer." 

Hervor: Two things there should be of spotless 
lustre — man's honor, woman's purity; this 
one foul deed would blacken both. (Siva 
attempts to speak, but Hervor checks her, 
and takes her by the hand.) A few hours 

53 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

hence you will be on your way to Miletus. 
Forget the past — fight not with destiny. No 
mortal effort, skill, or intellect determines it, 
but Heaven's superior will. 

Siva: It is not I that war with destiny. Our love 
— dearer to both than life — that, Hervor, is 
our destiny. We must not war with that. 

Hervor: What sacriligious, murderous thoughts 
arise ! 

Siva: Yield no more to unmanly vacillation. In 
my arms you shall find sweet forgetfulness, 
and conscience, lulled to v sleep, knowing the 
justness of the retribution, will question not 
the motive. One stroke of your swift sword 
unites us two for ever . . . for my sake, 
come. 'Tis love that summons you. (Her- 
vor advances a step, and hesitates. Siva 
draws his dagger from his sheath.) Come ! 
Come, my love. 

Hervor: (drawing back with a shudder) — Your 
husband is my guest. What you ask, you 
cannot know — you have not thought (seizes 
the dagger from her hand, and flings it 
away.) 

Siva: Hervor, I swear to you— 

Hervor: No more, no more; he is my guest. Let 
us forget this horror (turning to go.) 

Siva: (clasping his mantle) — Hervor! Hervor! 

Hervor: Nay, touch me not, speak not again. 
Your looks, your words, your touch, are like 
fire. Gods of the brave, I do believe that 
this I feel is fear! 

(CURTAIN.) 



54 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 



ACT IV. 

(The House of Hervor. Enter' Siva, holding 

tablets.) 

Siva: These tablets will show him how to pun- 
ish deceit, and yet preserve that fragile thing, 
his honor. Words, mute but full of fire, may 
ye sink deep into Hervor s heart! (Strikes 
a gong. Enter a Gaul.) Take these to your 
master. (Gives him the tablets. The Gaul 
turns to go.) Stay, give back those tablets; 
my mind is changed. Say to him that Siva 
waits to see him (exit Gaul.) . . . This 
hour must decide. On the one hand, a soul- 
less, shallow husband ; on the other, the man 
I love, a chief of heroes, whose valorous 
deeds need but a Grecian bard to render them 
immortal. Come, love and hate, twin pas- 
sions of my soul, 'tis ye must plead my cause. 
Let love with sweet persuasive words intox- 
icate this noble Gaul, and make my thoughts 
his own ; let hate with flaming brands arouse 
his wrath and stir the thoughts to acts. I 
am not now a passive girl, the puppet and the 
plaything of a slave, but a deep hearted wo- 
man, with a yearning love I can no 
more control, and would not if I could. 
What are their laws, their oaths to me? I 
did not make them. I will not submit to 
them. I will not, I will not. I am a woman, 
and I love. (Enter Hervor.) Ah, Hervor! 

55 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

(Rushes towards him, but stops with down- 
cast eyes.) 

Hervor: You sent for me? 

Siva: It is the first day since I came to Gaul that 
Hervor has held himself aloof. Have I of- 
fended so deeply that you thus avoid me? 

Hervor: Avoid you? 

Siva: Were your kind words, your tender care 
designed but to win my heart, that you 
might break it? 

Hervor: Recall not the past, we must not think 
of it. 

Siva: Neither you nor I can ever now forget it. 
'Twas but last night we stood together look- 
ing out upon the Rhone. Do you remember 
your beauteous dream of peace, the happi- 
ness that seemed to dawn for both? 

Hervor: Oh, this is maddening. Spare yourself 
— Spare me. 

Siva: I thought then that you loved me. It seems 
that I was wrong. Afterwards, half-frenzied 
with despair, I came to you and opened all 
my heart — a most unwomanly confession. I 
cannot go away and have you despise me 
(burying her face in her hands.) 

Hervor: Siva! 

Siva: No woman should have spoken the words I 
said to you, save to the man who loves her. 

Hervor: (impetuously) — And you did not, for 
well you know I love you. 

Siva: Ah, you love me! You never told me so. 
Are you sure, Hervor? 

Hervor: Am I sure I live? I am not apt in fitting 
thoughts to well turned words, but this I 
know — that if I live, I love. 

Siva: O Hervor, speak to me ever like thus. No 
courtly phrases have power to thrill my 

56 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

heart as do your simple and impassioned 
words. 

Hervor: Had the past a -voice, it would tell how 
I struggled to conceal this secret. I, the 
chief of the proudest nation within the great 
domains of Gaul ; I, who looked with scorn 
upon a man bound in the meshes of a wo- 
man's love ; I who believed myself proof 
against this passion, the most painful and 
oppressive of the human heart — 

Siva: Painful and oppressive? 

Hervor: I, who scorned the lover for a weakling, 
find myself, at length, also enslaved. From 
the hour when first your voice pleaded, to me 
for protection, I have carried everywhere 
the shaft that pierced my heart. In vain 
have I fought against you, against myself. 
Present or absent I always had you near. 
, In the depth of the forest your image was at 
my side. The light of day revealed it, the 
darkness did not hide it. 

Siva: Now I no longer blush for my avowal. Tell 
me again, my Hervor, that you love me. 

Hervor: Siva, I love you. 

Siva: (throwing herself into his arms) — Then win 
me. You are to me the world's one man, and 
I, for good or ill, to you the world's one wo- 
man. Hervor, Constans must die— 

Hervor: (starting back appalled) — Ah, I had for- 
gotten my guest . . . your husband. 

Siva: He cannot part us now. 

Hervor: Your duty is to him, not me. 

Siva: My duty bids me seek the happiness of him 
I love. 

Hervor: Your husband — 

Siva: The vilest slavery is a hated wedlock. 

57 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 



Hervor: H< 



husband and he loves you. 



.e is your 

Siva: So much the worse. Love is no deity, ex- 
cept when twin t born, sprung from two 
hearts, yearning unto each until they meet, 
though Hades yawns between- them. As 
yours and mine, Hervor (she steals up to 
him, and twines her arms about his neck) 
. . . as yours and mine. (Hervor seems 
to waver. He permits her embrace, but does 
not return it.) Smile on me, Hervor. Prom- 
ise that you will clear away this shadow from 
our happiness. 

Hervor: Siva! Siva! Ask me not. 

Siva: Say but "Yes," and it is done. 

Hervor: Urge me not to this deed. Would you 
have me break the sacred laws of hospitality? 
(Tears himself in affright from her embrace.) 
Crimson my honor with the murder of my 
guest? Ah — 

Siva: Nay, I would have you keep your honor 
pure as yon glittering crown of snow upon 
the summit of Jura. Henceforth that honor 
is my boast and pride as well as yours. I 
could not love you were it' stained. 

Hervor: Then what of him? 

Siva: Listen, Hervor. Let the guest be sacred in 
your realm. But at the border the guest re- 
turns to debtor; is it is not so, to debtor? 

Hervor: Yes, to debtor. 

Then if the debtor by a lie repay the gener- 
ous creditor's large souled concession — what 
stings to wrath the generous like deceit? 
Conduct us to the frontier ; there give orders 
to search the garments of the Grecian slaves. 
His fraud exposed becomes your clear ac- 
quittal with gods and men for the act which 
sets me free. 

58 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

Hervor: The blood that's shed by justice leaves 
no stain. If the proof confirm the accusa- 
tion — 

Siva: If it confirm! I tell you he has confessed, 
and calls his guilt his shrewdness. Still, if 
you doubt my words, you need but search his 
slaves ; the proof is there. 

Hervor: Unless in his defence he can assign some 
proper motive — 

Siva: Motive! The assassin caught with dripping 
dagger in his hand — do men ask him for mo- 
tive? Oh, Hervor, in your zeal to render 
justice unto foes, be not unjust to friends. 
Wait not for crafty words to dull the edge 
of your just wrath. Unmask the crime, and 
strike ! 

Hervor: Why should I hesitate to punish fraud? 
And yet — (He paces restlessly up and down.) 

Siva: (laying her hand upon his arm)— Do you 
still falter? Come, resolve! Justice, your 
honor, and my love demand it. 

Hervor: What evil spirit -lured him here? 

Siva: Fear no remorse. Love will soon teach you 
to forget all else save its own sweetness. 
Give me your promise, Hervor. 

Hervor: What would you have? 

Siva: For you, for me, life, love, and happiness; 
for him, the long sleep of oblivion. Promise ! 

Hervor: (much agitated) — I — I — I cannot prom- 
ise. Do not ask me why. My will, I think, 
is palsied. 

Siva: (with an injured air) — Can you refuse me, 
Hervor? 

Hervor: I do not refuse, but I must think of this 
to-night, alone, when the world is wrapped 
in darkness, and only the stars keep watch. 

59 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

Then I will try to follow out your words, 
and if the way be clear- — 

Siva: (interrupting) — It will be clear. See, I 
have written all upon the tablets, lest I had 
failed to see you. Take these, and with their 
aid dispel all doubts. (Gives him the tab- 
lets.) Conceal them quick ; here Constans 
comes. (Enter Constans.) 

Constans: (gayly) — Ah, what are you two plot- 
ting now? „ 

Siva: We were arranging for the homeward jour- 
ney. 

Constans: Homeward journey? good! How you 
must long once more to see Miletus ! Is it 
arranged to start early to-morrow? 

Hervor: Yes, an hour after sunrise. 

Siva: Hervor, himself, will conduct us to the bor- 
° der. Is he not kind to do us thus much 
honor? 

Constans: Ay, kind indeed. Do you know, Siva, 
the pleasure of reunion is so great I could al- 
most thank him for the separation? But 
come with me, Siva, I have something to say 
to you. 

Siva: What now, Constans? 

Constans: Oh, I intend to tell you how much I 
love you. 

Siva: That is an old and threadbare story. 

Constans : To me, while telling, it seems ever new. 

Siva: (aside) — How my heart revolts even to hear 
him talk! 

Constans: (To Hervor) — One who does not un- 
derstand this wilful, pretty wife of mine 
might actually think, to listen to her talk, 
she does not love her husband. (Exeunt 
Constans and Siva.) 

60 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

Hervor: This sultry, heavy air is choking me. 
This glaring sunlight burns into my eyes 
like fire. I will to the forest. Ho, there ! Ho, 
there! I say. (Enter Gaul.) My hunting 
spear and shield. 

Gaul: (bringing them) — Will you go forth to 
hunt, O Chief? The day is almost sped. It 
lacks but an hour of sunset. 

Hervor: And were it midnight, should I ask your 
leave? Out of my sight, lest I lay hands on 
you, and teach you more discretion. (Exit 
Gaul.) All else save this is worthless, and 
this, which most I want, I cannot have. Yet 
if I so will, what then prevents? Her love 
overleaps all obstacles. Shall mine do less? 
(Re-enter Constans.) 

Constans : Armed for the chase ! Then have I 
come in time. 

Hervor: (roughly) — No; out of time; some days 
too soon or many months too late. Have I 
not done enough? What more is it you ask, 
what more? 

Constans: I do not understand this. What 
troubles threaten now? 

Hervor: Troubles? They spring up thick on ev- 
ery side ; they choke the sweets of life ; they 
gnaw the very heart of happiness. Our days 
are full of them. 

Constans: They are the parasites that feed upon 
a sickly fancy, that often sees them where 
they are not. For my part, I joy to think that 
far above the clouds the sun is always shin- 
ing, and that sometimes, somewhere, his 
beams will find a rift, through which to 
gladden the world again. 

Hervor: It was not thus you felt a year ago. 

61 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

Constans: (laughing) — Why, no; just, then, the 
gloomy folds were drawn so thick, I lost my 
faith even in the sun. But grant me now 
a moment, that I may tell what in common 
honesty you ought to know. 

Hervor: Be brief. I am not in the mood for talk. 

Constans : Last night we spoke of ransom. In my 
hand I held a casket with a thousand staters. 

Hervor: Which was the total sum of your wealth? 

Constans : It was not all ; it was but half. I said 
to ransom Siva I would gladly give all. Had 
the first thousand not sufficed, I would have 
counted forth the second. You gave no time 
for this, but freed her without price, save 
that I pay the tax due by custom to your 
people. That fourth part will be five hundred 
staters. 

Hervor: Ah! your wife has sent you here to tell 
me this. 

Constans: Not so, but I have had the most liberal 
treatment at your hands, and will not pay it 
back even with an unintended deceit. 

Hervor: Your wife, I say, has sent you here to tell 
me this. 

Constans: No, no. She has a woman's heart, dis- 
trustful, timid. She feared, if you should 
learn the facts, you would be angered, and 
condemn us both ; and so she begged me, if 
only for her sake, to keep the thing a secret. 
Yet have I spoken, for I know it is not truth, 
but falsehood that offends a noble soul. 

Hervor: She should have judged me better. Go; 
say to her, I know the truth. 

Constans: Not I. My worthy Gaul, you do not 
understand our Grecian women. Be as- 
sured, I do. For the man they love they'll 

62 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

suffer, work, bear injustice, murmur not at 
tyranny. But let the presumptuous wretch 
attempt to cross them in some petted whim, 
his ease in life is gone. Tell Siva I have not 
heeded her commands? I'm not so rash. 

Hervor: Well, have you more to say? 

Constans: Only that — in fact, I see you are im- 
patient to be off. Good luck attend your 
hunt. (Exit.) 

Hervor: (dashing his shield to the ground)— If 
evil were a form so beautiful, then be the 
world all evil. (Paces restlessly back and 
forth.) . . . O love, honor, country! 
Could ye three live united in my heart, the 
world should be your marriage guerdon. 
But if this strife shall longer rage among you, 
ye will not leave my nerveless arm an in- 
fant's strength. I'll go; the forest air at 
least will cool these throbbing temples. There 
is no rest for me to-night ; I fear there is no 
peace for evermore. Help me, my country's 
gods ! Show me the right — the right ! 

(CURTAIN.) 



63 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 



ACT V. 

SCENE i. 

(Night. The Sacred Grove of the Druids.) 

ist Druid: A thousand years their course have run. 
2nd Druid: Close was the cycle by the setting 

sun. 
i st Druid: It is th' appointed night when nature 

is revealed. 
2nd Druid: And Unsuspected knowledge gained 

from forest and from field. 
3d. Druid: When searching thought can penetrate 

to depths before concealed. 
ist Druid: Until the dawn dissolves the dark, for 

light the stars I'll scan. 
2d Druid: From prouling beasts and wind-tossed 

boughs I'll glean what lore I can. 
3d Druid: I'll strive to read the mystery we call 

the soul of man. 
2d Druid: Hist! Steps! 

3d Druid: Some brother Druid seeks our grove. 
2d Druid: No Druid moves with such impetuous 

strides. 
3d Druid: Who else would dare intrude? 

(Enter Hervor.) 
ist Druid: What rash and impious mortal enters 
here? 

Hervor: Hervor, the Gaul, demanding 

ist Druid: Why in this hour of night has Hervor 

ventured within the forbidden grove? Is not 

the day assigned for consultation? This night 

64 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

our order holds communion with the in- 
visible, with the subtle powers that pervade 
all things that are. 

Hervor: I know, and yet I come. Before the dawn 
my mind must be resolved. 

2d Druid: After sunset we welcome in this sacred 
place no one save our order. 

Hervor: I ask not welcome, but advice. 

ist Druid: Then, without welcome, speak. 

Hervor: Tell me, Druids, if in your wisdom ye 
have found a way to know the wrong - when 
it wears the fair mask of right? 

ist Druid: Reason may be misled; passion may 
blind the heart; the eye of conscience never 
sleeps. 

Hervor: And if this sleepless conscience see be- 
neath the mask, and yet the evil has a form 
so winning, one clasps it to him and makes 
it part of all his life, what after reparation 
can he' offer to the offended conscience? 
What expiation to the gods? 

2d Druid: There is no reparation. With open 
eyes he has embraced the sin. In life, in 
death, he is accursed. He and all who share 
his guilt. 

Hervor: Your words are merciless. When in the 
man the royal reason sits captive on its 
throne, when all the fierce, tumultuous pas- 
sions of the soul proclaim as queen the fas- 
cinating sin, when conscience sees the base 
revolt, but has no power to check it, then 
what aid is there? What aid? Druid, I 
come for help. I would do right. Tell me 
my last resort. 

3d Druid: (solemly, upraising his hand) — Re- 

65 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

nounce, if you have strength, the conquering 
sin; if not, sacrifice your conquered self. 
(Hervor staggers back speechless.) 

ist Druid: Bear well in mind, O chief, that the 
Arverni look to Hervor for brave deeds and a 
pure life. As you have lived, live still, for 
honor and for Gaul. 

Hervor: What though — a woman 

2d Druid: .Woman! The abomination of the wise! 
Tis woman saps the strong arm of its 
strength. 'Tis woman lures the weakling on 
to crime. 'Tis woman thwarts the soul's 
great purposes. 

3d Druid: We know what turbulent passions rage 
within you. From things that fly and those 
that creep, from gusty rage of hurricanes and 
ocean's fiercest storms, we might protect. 
But who can curb the daring soul of woman, 
hardened in conscience by a love that ven- 
tures all? 

Ist Druid: Beware unlovely love, when lording in 
a woman's heart, it scorns the ties of man, 
the laws of heaven! 

2d Druid: Beware! 

3d Druid: Beware! 

Ist Druid: Beware unlovely love! (A flash of 
lightning illumines the scene.) Away! The 
angered elements resent your presence. 

Hervor: (staggering across the stage, while the 
Druids are seen withdrawing through the 
windings of the forest) — "Renounce, if you 
have strength, the conquering sin, if not, 
sacrifice your conquered self!" (The voices 
of the Druids are heard in the distance, cry- 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

ing "Beware!") I shall beware, ye all wise 
Druids, of this unlovely love. No heaven- 
detested guilt shall stain my soul. Reason 
unclouded and stripped of its besetting 
doubts once more points out the way. 



SCENE 2. 

A glade in the forest. 

(Enter Kainon and Cleomene.) 

Kainon: (shouting) — Ho, guide! Rest here a 
while. We have outstripped our fellow trav- 
ellers. 

Cleomene: How wild that man looks! J can not 
• suffer to look at any of them, since poor 
Euopia drank the hemlock ! Poor,- poor 
Euopia! When she found that her husband 
no longer lived, she pined for the realm of 
Pluto and Persephone. O, Kainon, I shall be 
glad when I am out of this detested land and 
once again with my own Critobulos. 

Kainon: And so shall I, my dear (thrusts at Cleo- 
mene with his finger.) 

Cleomene: (haughtily) — What means this? 

Kainon: Don't you know? 

Cleomene: Know? Know what? (Kainon thrusts 
again.) Sir, I do not permit such conduct. 
I agreed to be a mother to you. 

Kainon: Mother! Oh, that's played out. The 
Gaul who held you prisoner gave up his 
rights to me. 

Cleomene: Wait till we reach Miletus, and my 
husband will pay 

67 



tikkvok, tti£ gaVL 

kainon: Pay! There is nothing to pay. You 
know well that your owner bartered you off 
for my old Grecian armor. Now you are 
my slave, and I intend to keep you. 

Cleomene: Talk thus to me one minute more, and 
I shall tear you in pieces. 

Kainon: (starting back) — The woman means it. . . 

Cleomene: Mean it! I will do it. Oh, I'm not 
afraid of Grecian masters. I know how to 
manage them. 

Kainon: By Zeus, woman, I shall find the Gaul 
and take back my arms. He can keep his 
slave. (Starts to run.) 

Cleomene: Not so, not so. You stay by me. 

Kainon: But I won't! 

Cleomene: You shall I say (shakes him). 

Kainon: It seems that I am the slave. 

Cleomene: So you are until we reach Miletus. 

Kainon: And then? 

Cleomene: You shall aid me in taking vengeance 
on that rascally husband of mine. 

Kainon: But your husband already married a sec- 
ond time. 

Cleomene: Our laws forbid a second marriage 
while the first wife lives. 

Kainon: But he may have bought a divorce from 
some honest Grecian judge. 

Cleomene : You fool ! Do you not know our laws 
grant no divorce? 

Kainon : Pshaw ! I have known plenty of Greeks 
who married a second time. 

Cleomene: And had wives? 

Kainon: Yes. There was Phocias in Miletus, and 



Cleomene: Why, you idiot, have I not just said 
that once a wife, a wife forever; and, if a 

68 



tiERVOR, THE GAUL 

husband wishes to divorce her and marry an- 
other woman, he must first find a husband 
for his own wife. There is no escape from 
this. 

Kainon: I agree with you. There is no escape for 
Critobulus. He can not possibly find a hus- 
band for you — 

Cleomene: Curb your insolent tongue. You shall 
stay by me, and protect me against every- 
thing and everybody. See you to this. Cle- 
omene looks to Kainon for protection. 

Kainon: This is a nice fix. But here they are com- 
ing. (Starts to run.) 

Cleomene: Stay here! (Runs after him.) Kainon, 
I say! (Exeunt.) 



SCENE 3. 



(The frontier of Gaul. On one side an altar of 
stone. Hervor and Druid.) 

Druid: This is the border. Yonder is the stream 
that belts our land. 

Hervor: Yon petty stream belt Gaul! When her 
fierce heart throbs no girdle binds it, nor hill 
nor stream, no, not Massalia's walls of stone 
or lines of Grecian lances. But where is this 
Greek? Why loiters he so long? 

Druid: See, they come. 

(Enter Siva, Constans, Kainon, Cleomene, Slaves 
and Guard of Gauls.) 

Siva: (to Constans) — Indeed, I must thank the 
Gaul apart. I owe him this courtesy for his 
great kindness. You yourself can afterwards 
publicly express our gratitude. 

69 



HERVOR, THU GAXJL 

Constans: Well, as you please. But let us finish 
quickly and journey on, rejoicing that our 
footsteps, homeward bound, fall once more 
on Grecian soil. 

Siva: (approaching Hervor) — Now, Hervor, nerve 
your hand and soul, for the time has come 
when you and I — 

Hervor: Must part. 'Tis better so. Seek not to 
bring upon yourself the anger of the offended 
gods. 

Siva: Rather do you seek not to bring on me a life- 
long misery by your nerveless vaccillation. 

Hervor: It is because I would spare you such 
misery, that I bid you banish these unhal- 
lowed thoughts. 

Siva: My only thoughts are of Hervor and his 
glory. Call you these unhallowed? 

Hervor: If you hold in such dear regard Hervor 
and his glory, you will not bid him stain his 
soul with crime. 

Siva: And if you care for Siva, as you say, you 
will not comdemn her to anguish and despair. 

Hervor: See you not, Siva, it is my love that bat- 
tles with my love, the purer passion with the 
grosser? I cannot bear to have your beauty 
marred even by one unholy wish. I cannot 
bear to think you one forsworn. 

Siva: Then happiness be mine, for if you cannot 
bear to think me one forsworn, how can you 
send me from you? For I am yours, not his. 

Hervor: (much troubled) — You know not what 
you ask — not what you ask. 

Siva: If your heart fails my own at least is firm, 
this weak hand, strong enough to strike a 
sleeper ; this slight foot, swift enough to fly 
the dead ; spare him to-day — dismiss me, 

70 



HERVOR, THE GAUL 

with the morrow, I shall regain your side, 
and whisper "freed ;" would you have the 
courage to refuse me shelter? 

Constans: (interrupting) — Come, Siva, it is my 
turn now, Chieftain, to my wife's thanks, I 
add my own. She cannot have expressed too 
much our common gratitude. When here- 
after we recall these things, the name of Her- 
vor, shall ever be spoken with reverence and 
honor. 

Hervor: I have but kept my pledge. Creek, when 
at the boundary of his land, the Gaul parts 
from the guest, or settles with the debtor, his 
law, enjoins a sacrifice to gods who make 
him safe through strength, and strong 
through honor. Thus guest or debtor goes 
his homeward way by holy rites secure from 
deadly ambush, granting that guest or debtor 
forfeit not by his own sin our fatherland's 
protection. For times have been when in the 
guest himself the gods who guard our bor- 
ders chose the victim. My grandsire here 
slew one, a smooth tongued Greek, false to 
his host, the accusing voice was woman's, but 
this need fright not men revering truth. Now, 
while your slaves complete your share of 
barter, let your fair wife, restored to gods of 
Greece,* pay her last homage to the gods of 
Gaul. 

Constans : I — 

Hervor: Hush, hush, Greek. 

Hervor: (to Siva) — Does not your heart relent? 

Siva: Why should it relent? What pity has the 
world shown to me? Oh, Hervor, Hercor, 
judge me not from your standpoint of honor, 
judge me not as you would a woman of your 

7i 



JUN 1 1308 

HERVOR, THE GAUL 

own nation, but judge me for what I am, a 
woman of Miletus. Oh, help me, Master, 
lift me to your bosom ; I am like a stricken 
wretch, whose quivering frame caught by 
some deadly plague writhes in the dust ! 

Constans : Siva, have pity, pity ! 

Siva : What pity have you shown,, slave ? The veil 
which blinded me is rent ! I am like the one 
whose cry upon her god is not heard, or is 
not heeded ! Yet there must be aid, there 
must be aid! 

Hervor! It is too late now to recall past wrongs — 
The new life reaps what the old has sown. 

Siva: (stabbing herself) — Then gods this offering 
to love ! 

Constans: (leaping forward) — Siva! 

Hervor: Stand back, Greek. Poor bleeding form, 
Was then your love so great a sin? If so, it 
was so entwined around my heart that this 
same blow has pierced us both. (He stabs 
himself and dies.) It was a costly sacrifice, a 
costly sacrifice for honor and for love ! 

(CURTAIN.) 



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